Bitch I got some buzzards clawin' at my fuckin' stomach
I'm from the shadows, left the gallows, made the summit
Hear the trumpets rollin' in like it's 300
Let the battle feel ravaged, attack, and then we stack the bodies up

Yeah
Bitch, I got some buzzards clawin'
At my fuckin' stomach (fuckin' stomach)
I'm from the shadows
Left the gallows, made the summit (made the summit)

Hear the trumpets rollin' in like it's 300
Let the battle feel ravaged, attack, and then we stack the bodies up

Moonlight shinin' off the armor
That I'm 'bout to rip (I'm 'bout to rip)
Got no time to waste
So don't worry I'll make it quick (I'll make it quick)
Your death will be glorious, I'm emergin' victorious
Name is reignin' notorious, but this isn't where the story ends

There's no turning back now, just fire in the background
The spires overlook the bloody night, it's in the past now
But it's time
The grudge that I been holdin' is brewin' awfully potent
My shoulders shrug, I've had enough, I guess your time is up

Okay, my blade is itchin', ready up now, I smell the fear
This is where it ends, don't look around, there's no one for you here
It's just you and me
So motherfucker are you feelin' lucky?
What's it gonna be? Tell me, what's it gonna be?

Kill, my blade stained, plain face
Say my fuckin' name
As my blood runs black, you can tell we're not the same
See the fire in the sky and embrace of the storm
'Cause I live by the sword and I'll die by the fuckin' sword

Bury me
Six feet deep, with steel around my flesh (my flesh)
By the sword and laid to rest
The stains turn into nightmares

Overall Meaning

In "By the Sword" iAmJakeHill is describing a battle scene in which he emerges victorious. He talks about how he can feel the buzzards clawing at his stomach, referencing the adrenaline he's feeling as he fights in the battle. He mentions the shadows and gallows, referencing his past and what he's had to go through to reach the position he's in now. The trumpets in the background signify the approach of the enemy army. The line "Let the battle feel ravaged, attack, and then we stack the bodies up" showcases his aggressive mindset in the battle.

In the later part of the song, iAmJakeHill has his opponent in front of him and he's ready to end the battle. He talks about the grudge he's been holding onto against his opponent and how it's made him stronger. He mentions that there's no turning back now and that it's just him and his opponent. He ends the song with "I live by the sword and I'll die by the fucking sword", which is a metaphorical statement meaning that he'll always fight for what he believes in and will accept the consequences of his actions.

Line by Line Meaning

Bitch I got some buzzards clawin' at my fuckin' stomach
I'm feeling intense hunger and desperation.

I'm from the shadows, left the gallows, made the summit
I have risen from darkness, escaped death, and achieved success.

Hear the trumpets rollin' in like it's 300
I hear the sounds of war and battle approaching.

Let the battle feel ravaged, attack, and then we stack the bodies up
We will fight fiercely and leave a trail of dead bodies in our wake.

Moonlight shinin' off the armor that I'm 'bout to rip
I am about to engage in combat and defeat my armored opponent.

Got no time to waste, so don't worry I'll make it quick
I will make the defeat of my opponent quick and efficient.

Your death will be glorious, I'm emergin' victorious
My victory over you will be impressive and glorious.

Name is reignin' notorious, but this isn't where the story ends
I have a notorious reputation, but my story and legacy continue beyond this moment.

There's no turning back now, just fire in the background
I am fully committed and there is no going back.

The grudge that I been holdin' is brewin' awfully potent
I have been holding a grudge and it has grown more intense over time.

My shoulders shrug, I've had enough, I guess your time is up
I am ready to take action and bring an end to this conflict.

Okay, my blade is itchin', ready up now, I smell the fear
I am eager to engage in combat and can sense fear from my opponent.

This is where it ends, don't look around, there's no one for you here
This moment marks the end of our conflict, and there is no one here to save you.

So motherfucker are you feelin' lucky? What's it gonna be? Tell me, what's it gonna be?
Are you prepared to face me and try to survive? You must choose your fate now.

Kill, my blade stained, plain face
I am prepared to kill, my expression is stoic.

Say my fuckin' name, as my blood runs black, you can tell we're not the same
You will know my name as I defeat you, and you will see that we are not equals.

See the fire in the sky and embrace of the storm
There is chaos and destruction all around us, but I am unfazed and embrace it.

'Cause I live by the sword and I'll die by the fuckin' sword
I am a warrior who lives and dies by the sword.

Bury me six feet deep, with steel around my flesh
When I die, I want to be buried with my weapons and armor.

By the sword and laid to rest, the stains turn into nightmares
My legacy will be that of a warrior, and my enemies will fear me even in death.

Contributed by Tyler T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.